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Science News Archive January 2015 - Page 8


Page 8 of 28

Towards a scientific process freed from systemic bias

Large-scale analysis of bibliographic data reveals insights into scientific evaluation methods and publication practices. The studies found cumulative advantage in initial publishing success, detectable patterns in author name disambiguation, and limitations of citation-based measures for quantifying scientific impact.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateJan 26, 2015

Would you tell your manager you had a mental health problem?

A CAMH survey found that nearly four in 10 workers are reluctant to disclose mental health problems to their managers, citing concerns about career impact and stigma. However, the study also reveals that supportive policies and positive relationships with managers can encourage disclosure and create a more supportive work environment.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalInternational Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 26, 2015

Care eliminates racial disparity in colon cancer survival rates, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study reveals that more equitable delivery of evidence-based care can close the gap in colon cancer survival rates between white and African-American patients. The researchers found that five-year death rates were lower for all colon cancer patients treated in integrated health-care systems, wit...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 26, 2015

Mother's stress hormone levels may affect fetal growth and long term health of child

A recent study published in The Journal of Physiology found that increased stress hormone levels in pregnant mice can lead to overeating and reduced fetal growth. However, this effect is not seen when the hormone is administered earlier in pregnancy or when the diet is restricted. The researchers believe that maternal glucocorticoid le...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 26, 2015

Hospitals helping violence victims could save millions

Researchers at Drexel University found that hospital-based violence intervention programs can prevent violent reinjury and perpetration, reduce aggressive behaviors, and improve employment and education outcomes. These programs are estimated to save tens of thousands to $4 million in costs over five years.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 26, 2015

An engineering approach from Virginia Tech helps breast cancer researchers at Georgetown

A team of scientists from Georgetown University and Virginia Tech developed a mathematical model to understand breast cancer cell decisions, revealing a key molecular component that determines resistance to antiestrogen therapy. The study found that interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) promotes resistance to antiestrogens.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 26, 2015

Cell imaging gets colorful

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and imaging protein-protein interactions in live cells using color changes, enabling immediate visualization of biochemical events. The FPX technique converts biochemical processes into dramatic green to red color changes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 26, 2015

Researchers gain new insights into hypothyroidism

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a genetic polymorphism may be responsible for why standard treatments for hypothyroidism fail some patients. The researchers suggest that personalized medicine could lead to effective treatment for all patients, and identify potential targets for new therapies.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2015

Mayo Clinic: New breast cancer risk prediction model more accurate than current model

A new breast cancer risk prediction model developed by the Mayo Clinic has been shown to be more accurate than the current screening standard in predicting breast cancer risk. The model uses histologic features of biopsied breast tissue and individual patient demographic information, classifying breast cancer risk with a concordance st...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 26, 2015

Engineering self-assembling amyloid fibers

Scientists at UC Davis and Rice University have developed methods to manipulate natural proteins into amyloid fibrils with predictable heights. These self-assembling fibers show great toughness, withstanding boiling, digestive proteins, and ultraviolet radiation, making them suitable for tissue engineering and other applications.

Stress during pregnancy can affect fetal development

A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that high stress levels in pregnant mice led to increased cortisol levels, causing mothers to eat more but reducing placental glucose transport. This can result in decreased fetal weight and long-term metabolic health implications for children.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJan 25, 2015

The latest fashion: Graphene edges can be tailor-made

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a method to control the edge properties of graphene nanoribbons by manipulating the conditions under which they are pulled apart. This allows for the creation of semiconducting graphene with desirable electronic properties, opening up new possibilities for applications in modern electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 23, 2015

Dragnet for epilepsy genes

An international team of scientists identified sestrin-3 as a key regulator of gene networks in human epilepsy. Inhibiting sestrin-3 reduced seizures in animal models. The discovery offers promising starting points for new treatments, potentially avoiding drug resistance.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2015

Arctic ice cap slides into the ocean

Researchers at the University of Leeds have observed a remote Arctic ice cap thinning by over 50 meters and accelerating to speeds of several kilometers per year. The findings suggest that warmer ocean temperatures may be triggering this rapid ice loss, which has significant implications for sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 23, 2015